Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for the microwave heating of a food product in which a sheet of barrier material is sealed around a food product to a blank having one or more panels which can be folded to assemble a container. The sheet of barrier material forms a pocket inside which a food product may be disposed. The sheet of barrier material is sealed to one of the panels, so that a peripheral outer portion is formed to separate the food product from the remaining panel or panels. The barrier material may be moisture impervious, and may be sealed to the blank using a vacuum platen or heat-sealing methods. A microwave susceptor can be disposed on the blank, which is made from a material suitable for microwave heating such as a polymer and paperboard laminate.

Abstract: A sealed cooking pouch specifically designed for microwave cooking raw frozen protein entrees containing a raw meat protein portion, preferably beef, poultry, fish, pork or veal, along with starch, sauce and vegetable portions. The packaging material is manipulated into a pouch shape, meant to receive the protein entree ingredients before sealing, during the manufacturing process. The packaging material is composed of a heat-sealable polyester layer with a thin layer of aluminum deposited on one side and a layer of water-repellant 20 lb–25 lb. structural paper stock, laminated together through the use of a water-based adhesive. The aluminum can be uniformly deposited centrally where maximum temperature concentration is desired, and deposited in patterns that allow for temperature attenuation in parts of the package where this is desirable. The structural paper outer layer is treated with a wax emulsion to repel water that forms from condensation on the outside of the cooking pouch.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method for cleaning an oven. The method includes placing an oven liner in an oven. The oven liner has a first major surface formed of silicone elastomer and has a second major surface formed of fluorinated polymer. The method further includes cooking food items in the oven and over the oven liner and removing the oven liner.

Abstract: A collapsible cooking container formed from a generally, rectangularly shaped paperboard blank folded along crease lines so as to have a bottom portion, a first side portion, a top portion, and a second side portion wherein the top portion and the first side portion are adapted to be attached to form a cube having opposed, open sides. The opposed, open sides are substantially covered when the collapsible cooking container is in an expanded condition by segments provided to the bottom portion, first and second side portions, and top portion that cooperate to form first and second collapsible sides.

Abstract: A container for microwave heating of a food product, and a method of fabricating such a container, wherein the container includes a tub assembly having a moisture-impervious floor and one or more sidewalls. A quantity of food product, such as popcorn, is placed in a pocket formed in a sheet of barrier material, and a continuous heat seal is formed between the floor of the tub and the sheet of barrier material. A microwave susceptor can be disposed to the floor for heating the food product.

Abstract: A thermoformed disposable food container having a wall caliper of from about 10 to about 80 mils consisting essentially of from about 30 to about 80 percent by weight of a matrix polymer composition consisting predominantly of a polypropylene polymer and optionally including a polyethylene polymer, from about 10 to about 50 percent mica, from about 2.5 to about 25 percent calcium carbonate, and up to about 5 weight percent titanium dioxide, exhibits enhanced rigidity when the calcium carbonate has a mean particle size of less than about 8 microns. The extrudable compositions are likewise useful for film, sheet and injection molding applications.

Abstract: A system and method of assembling a container for microwave heating of a food product.

Abstract: A microwave cooking device comprises a container for holding a food product, a seal for sealing the container to enclose a substantially fixed volume therein, and a venting configuration. The venting configuration includes a steam guide defining a central vent and a pair of steam horns associated with and positioned on either side of the steam guide. The steam guide and associated steam horns weaken a portion of the seal at a predetermined location and are each in fluid communication with the volume enclosed within the container to allow movement of steam from the container into the steam guide and steam horns, such that, steam and pressure are preferentially directed towards the steam guide, causing pressure to be concentrated at the weakened portion of the seal and resulting in the seal being broken at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A disposable arcuate sheet of an air permeable, water absorbent and hypoallergenic garment interfacing fabric and method for using the sheet for protecting microwave ovens against food spills, splashes, spatters and spitting during rotation of a carousel. The disposable sheet being a single layer of conventional interfacing fabric provided in a unbroken and unfolded substantially round or circularly shaped flat pattern sized either to cover a rotating carousel of a square or rectangular microwave oven, or to cover a food container in the oven, without substantially interfering with the oven walls during rotation of the carousel.

Abstract: A reconfigurable microwave packaging container is provided for containing, heating, and crisping at least one surface of at least one food product. The container includes a reconfigurable first panel having a flap that is at least partially separable from the container, and at least a portion of the flap includes a microwave susceptor material for absorbing microwave energy to transfer to at least one food product surface. The container also includes a second panel spaced from the first panel by a first distance to accommodate at least one food product between the first and second panels. The flap of the first panel is reconfigurable to be spaced at a second distance from the second panel, wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for ensuring more uniform heating of food by microwaves. The method includes providing food in a portion having a predetermined size and shape; and providing a container adapted for receiving and reheating the portion of food in a microwave oven. The container forms a supporting cavity having peripheral sides and a bottom side, with the portion of food placed within the supporting cavity. The peripheral sides of the container are circumferentially shielded by a microwave reflective material that forms a circumference having axial and transverse distances that are determined so as to change the wavelength of resonant modes inside the food thereby resulting in a more uniform heating food pattern.

Abstract: A microwave oven food & drink enclosure assembly for keeping the insides of the microwave oven clean from splatters. The microwave oven food & drink enclosure assembly includes a plurality of panels being detachably attached to form an enclosure in which food and drink can be supported in a microwave oven to keep interior walls of the microwave oven clean during the use thereof; and also includes an assembly of connecting the panels together.

Abstract: Ovenware for microwave ovens which contain a composition comprising a susceptor and a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer are improved when the composition also has a thermal conductivity of about 0.7 W/m°K or more. Heat generated by absorption of microwave radiation by the susceptor is more readily conducted to the food being cooked when the thermal conductivity of the composition is high, particularly when the part containing the susceptor is relatively thick. Also described are designs for various pieces of ovenware containing this composition.

Abstract: In a cooking vessel for use in a microwave oven, a microwave cooking vessel comprises a vessel a having a bottom surface, a body wall, and an open region, wherein the open region extends upwardly from the bottom surface to terminate at the peripheral flange; a heating element adapted to convert microwave radiation into thermal energy, the heating element composed primarily of a mixture of elastic material and ferrite particles, wherein the top face of the heating element is attached to the outer bottom surface of the vessel so as to distribute heat along the bottom of the vessel; and a cover having a dome-shape and comprising a handle for engaging and disengaging the cover onto the vessel, plurality of apertures which provides a pathway for heated air and moisture so that the cover does not disengage from the vessel when the microwave cooking vessel is in use, and an annular flange which sits on the peripheral flange of the vessel when the cover is engaged to the vessel, wherein the cover is composed primaril

Abstract: An easy-opening microwavable food package which can be used both to cook and serve the food. It is easily opened and yet convenient as a vehicle for eating, so as to avoid the necessity for separate dishes which will need to be washed. The package is designed to permit venting of the package during cooking while minimizing the possibility for a messy and inadvertent escape of product onto, for example, the floor and walls of the microwave. The package comprises a first tear facilitator for removing the top end of the package for venting and a second tear facilitator for removing a further section of the side wall. The second tear facilitator promotes tearing of the side wall at a point spaced from and below the tear promoted by the first tear facilitator and serves to enhance access to the food for eating. The tear facilitators may, e.g., comprise pairs of notches in the walls of the package.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molded microwaveable frozen food container having at least a first section and a second section in which at least one of the sections includes an in-mold label. The in-mold label provides at least one of the sections with a susceptor zone. In one embodiment of the inventive container, a first section of the container can include the in-mold label providing the susceptor zone and a second section of the container can include the in-mold label providing a shielding zone. Alternatively, the first section can include a shielding zone and the second section can include the susceptor zone or three sections can be provided have a combination of shielding and susceptor zones.

Abstract: A kettle (10) for heating liquid in a microwave oven to a specific temperature, which is readable on a contained thermometer (20). The kettle (10) also has a removable filter (28) for purifying water and a volume measure (22) for determining how much liquid in inside it.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable polypropylene/mica food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A folds-as-you-eat multi-purpose food-serving apparatus (‘MPFSA’) that is supportable from one end by one hand during eating, and has optional exhibiting means for providing multi-minute close-proximity exposures promoting observer-discernible content and/or user-discernible content, and optionally providing recreational, or display, functionality. The MPFSA is comprised of one or more materials having a pliability which accommodates the bending and unbending of the apparatus a plurality of times in a manner that will not significantly alter the presentation of served food. The MPFSA is also comprised of material(s) having sufficient rigidity to support one or more items of food, having a food-supporting surface which is stiffened by at least one adjacent food-retaining portion which extends upward from an edge thereof, or can be so positioned by a user, to increase the rigidity of, and facilitate the retention of served food on, the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for providing a microwave-shield on the cover member of a microwavable food tray having different foods therein requiring different degrees of microwave irradiation is provided. The method includes providing an adhesive label directly to a cover member of the food tray in register with one of the food products in the tray. The cover member is provided on the food tray from a sheet of cover material having a plurality of microwave shields pre-applied thereto at discrete intervals.

Abstract: Cleaning according to an evaporating dish cleaning mode or heating chamber cleaning mode is implemented based on a signal inputted by the control part. In the heating chamber cleaning mode, condensation is generated on the inner surface of the heating chamber 11 by steam, and the soil adhered to the inner surface of the heating chamber 11 is allowed to float to be in a state of removing it easily. In the evaporating dish cleaning mode, a cleaning liquid made of citric acid solution is pumped into an evaporating dish 35, it is heated to a predetermined temperature, and it is left therein. Therefore, calcium and magnesium deposited on the evaporating dish 35 are allowed in a state of removing them easily.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable mineral-filled polypropylene food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A pre-assembly of pre-baked corn tortillas are alternatingly stacked with separators to space the tortillas apart to enable water vapor to escape during microwave heating and help keep the tortillas from becoming wet or soggy. The assembly can include a plastic bag for the stack, in a prepackaged form. Also a method for re-heating tortillas by placing the tortilla/separator stack in a microwave heating compartment and allowing water vapor to escape via the separators. The stack can be placed in a microwave-safe serving container with a removable lid to facilitate microwaving and serving the tortillas in a single container.

Abstract: A food container for use in a microwave oven is made from an inner, food contacting, glass vessel an outer plastic vessel. Because of the external plastic layer, the container has a significantly higher thermal insulating capability than a comparable glass container. This reduces the cooling rate of cooked food and provides an extra margin of handling safety. On the other hand, the internal glass vessel will not impart a plastic flavor to food stored or cooked in the vessel, and will be immune to the blistering or discoloration that sometimes occurs with plastic vessels. In some versions of the invention, free-standing glass and plastic vessels are arranged to be interfitted for use in food storage and microwave cooking, but can be easily separated for cleaning. In other versions, the glass and plastic vessels are intimately bonded together to prohibit penetration of moisture between the two vessels.

Abstract: A device for preventing food splatter during microwave cooking includes a sheet of material capable of maintaining a crease, and which has at least one crease that extends across the sheet. The device is positioned over a food disposed on an open dish with the crease extending across the dish and with the crease being at an apex of the sheet while the food is heated in a microwave oven. The invention provides a convenient, easy to use and inexpensive device and method for preventing food splatter during microwave cooking of food in an open container such as a plate or bowl.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for ensuring more uniform heating of food by microwaves. The method includes providing food in a portion having a predetermined size and shape; and providing a container adapted for receiving and reheating the portion of food in a microwave oven. The container forms a supporting cavity having peripheral sides and a bottom side, with the portion of food placed within the supporting cavity. The peripheral sides of the container are circumferentially shielded by a microwave reflective material that forms a circumference having axial and transverse distances that are determined so as to change the wavelength of resonant modes inside the food thereby resulting in a more uniform heating food pattern.

Abstract: A system for preparing and cooking edible components in a microwave including different cells or compartments containing different components of the desired consumable product. Under pressure of the microwaves on the components, pressure of one or more components acts to break seals between the cells so that the components can mix and provide a desirable end product, which can be a liquid or solid form. The disposable system can make hot beverages such as espresso and cappuccino in a microwave oven. One of the ingredients can be a dairy product such as milk and the other can be water. One or more of the compartments may be made of a material to contract or expand under heat. This aids in creating or decreasing pressure on the components being processed for cooking. The system contains a substantially non-shrinkable and selectively at least partly opaque member about at least the one component.

Abstract: A heating apparatus including a stage comprising a surface having an area to support a wafer and a body, a shaft coupled to the stage, and a first and a second heating element. The first heating element is disposed within a first plane of the body of the stage. The second heating element is disposed within a second plane of the body of the stage at a greater distance from the surface of the stage than the first heating element, and the second heating element is offset from the first heating element in a plane substantially parallel to at least one of the first plane and the second plane.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable polypropylene/mica food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A microwave cooking container includes a bag portion having an open end for access to an interior of the bag and a closure mechanism for sealing the open end having elongated interfitting elements extending adjacent the open end of the bag. The container also includes a valve assembly providing controlled discharge of pressurized fluid from the bag interior when a positive pressure equal to or exceeding a predetermined pressure is created within the bag interior. The valve assembly includes a vent member and a flow limiter. The vent member is located at the open end of the bag adjacent an end of the closure mechanism such that the first end of the internal passage is in fluid communication with the bag interior. The internal passage provides an exit path for discharge of a pressurized fluid from the interior of the bag. The flow limiter may include an end portion of a closure clamp adapted to receive the vent member.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable mineral-filled polypropylene food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a foamed polypropylene resin container for microwave cooking which is free from deformation upon cooking by a microwave oven and excellent in heat resistance. The foamed polypropylene resin container for microwave cooking of the present invention, on at least one side of a foamed polypropylene resin layer, a non-foamed layer containing 100 parts by weight of a polypropylene resin and 40 to 100 parts by weight of talc.

Abstract: A container for microwave heating of a food product, and a method of fabricating such a container, wherein the container includes a tub assembly having a moisture-impervious floor and one or more sidewalls. A quantity of food product, such as popcorn, is placed in a pocket formed in a sheet of barrier material, and a continuous heat seal is formed between the floor of the tub and the sheet of barrier material. A microwave susceptor can be disposed to the floor for heating the food product.

Abstract: A container has a patterned susceptor region in the bottom, a fold region between the bottom and the sidewall of the container, a sidewall region, and a flange region that forms a flange or lip of the container. The patterned susceptor region includes arrangements of microwave-interactive features disposed generally along respective close plane curves, which reduces overheating and increases the filling temperature of the food product. The fold region contains microwave transparent features that minimize de-lamination of the container in the folded region, and also create a generally transmissive area in the vicinity of the heel of the food product to improve the cooking thereof. The sidewall region shields the periphery of the food product so that it is not overcooked while promoting an appropriate degree of pie dough shell browning. The flange area is transmissive to promote an appropriate degree of cooking of the food product crust.

Abstract: Disclosed is a releasably sealable bag for low temperature cooking comprising a film material, wherein the film material does not deform at temperatures of up to about 125° C., and wherein the bag is air and liquid impermeable when sealed. Also disclosed are such bags wherein at least a portion of the film material is comprised of a composite film material provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive protected from inadvertent adherence. Further disclosed are methods for food preparation and cooking using any of the embodiments of the bag of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention comprises a packaging arrangement for a food item that is cut into segments and positioned on microwaveable susceptor material selected for the size shape and desired cooking properties of he food item to be prepared. The segmented food items can be any shape or size or type of food, however pizza is a preferred food item. The microwaveable susceptor material may have walls surrounding the food item. The food items may be arranged to resemble the whole food item in the package. Each segment of the food item may be individually wrapped so that one or more segments can be save for later use. The segmented food items with associated microwave susceptors are particularly suitable for being dispensed from refrigerated vending machines located in schools, factories, food courts, convenience stores and where microwave ovens are available.

Abstract: Snacks such as tortilla chips with melted nacho cheese toppings have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the dispensing of such snacks, as a single unit, in microwavable packages, for either home or vending stand use is desirable. A major problem with packaging cheese and chips in contact with one another in a single container, however, is that over time the chips, which are a low moisture content food, would draw moisture from the cheese, causing them to become soggy. The present invention remedies this problem by separating the cheese from the chips by containing it in an open grid integrated into the package top in such a way that when microwaved, the cheese will melt and be evenly distributed over the chips.

Abstract: A disposable food container for storing, microwave heating, and serving of food items includes a rigid base having a horizontal surface and a concave surface depending therefrom and in combination define a central cavity therein. The base further has at least two legs depending from a lower side of the horizontal surface, the legs extending below a depth of the concave surface. An upper side of the horizontal surface defines at least two depressions therein, each depression in vertical alignment with a bottom of one of the two legs wherein the depressions are sufficient size to receive a bottom of a like leg of a like container. A receptacle is received in the cavity and affixed to the rigid base. The receptacle has a rim extending above the horizontal surface and further includes a removable barrier affixed to the rim. The barrier and the receptacle define an enclosed space for retaining food product therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for cooking food in a microwave oven. The container includes a tray having a bottom wall and a side wall that is attached to the bottom wall and extends upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior cavity and a support means to provide support for a food product and elevate the food product with respect to the bottom wall. A continuous shielding layer is provided in the bottom wall and the side wall of the tray. The bottom wall and side wall of the tray along with the bottom of the food product define a free space under the food product that totally reflects microwave beams that pass through the food product back in the direction of the food product. The container of the invention reduces the formation of temperature gradients in the food product when it is heated and accelerates the microwave reheating of the food product. The container is particularly useful for reheating large blocks of frozen food.

Abstract: Bread and similar wheat flour-based products are provided which exhibit reduced toughness when subjected to microwave heating. The products are prepared from wheat flour-based, leavened doughs which have adjusted gliadin:glutenin ratios of from about 1.1-2.3, such ratio adjustment is preferably accomplished by the addition of a gliadin-rich preparation into the starting doughs, typically at levels of from about 1-6% (fwb).

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable mineral-filled polypropylene food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A safe and effective microwave deodorizer including a volatile medium, such as a liquid solution of water and citrus oils, contained in an absorbent material such as a non-metallic sponge. When the microwave deodorizer is heated in a microwave oven, the microwave deodorizer releases deodorizing vapors in a manner designed to deposit a deodorizing residue on an inner surface of the microwave oven.

Abstract: A microwavable package for roasting coffee beans in which the package is shaped to be relatively larger in two dimensions than in a third dimension so that it presents a generally flat appearance or configuration. The package comprises a paper outer layer and an inner layer that includes a microwave susceptor. On the interior of the package a filter is provided, and a vent permits communication between the interior and exterior. The outer layer may be variously, kraft paper, bond paper, or filter paper. The inner layer may comprise a printed dipole antenna or a thin film conductor. The vent may be at least one perforation through both the inner and outer layers or a series of perforations. In a preferred embodiment, the package includes supports for maintaining the package in a generally vertical orientation when it is placed in a microwave to roast the coffee beans contained therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for cooking and vacuum packing mussels with their shell and other foodstuffs by microwave heating so that they can be stored as chilled or frozen goods for an extended period. When mussels are vacuum packed, many of the shells often break, and moreover the subsequent cooking in water is too slow for the mussel meat to coagulate satisfactorily. The invention solves this problem by packing the product to be preserved, in the first place mussels, in a somewhat flexible plastic container which is sealed. On the top side of the container there is a venting hole which permits the escape of steam during boiling but which is sealed immediately as microwave heating ceases, whereupon a vacuum arises inside the container as the steam condenses. A vacuum packed and pasturized product is thus obtained in one and the same operation.

Abstract: A cooking device with a curved-shaped bowl having an inner surface that surrounds a cooking space. To allow such a cooking device to be used in a user-friendly way, the bowl is of a hard glass or a glass ceramic, and the bowl bears an edge that surrounds in a region of a bowl edge.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an foamed polypropylene resin container for microwave cooking which is free from deformation upon cooking by a microwave oven and excellent in heat resistance. The foamed polypropylene resin container for microwave cooking of the present invention comprises, on at least one side of an foamed polypropylene resin layer, a non-foamed layer containing 100 parts by weight of a polypropylene resin and 40 to 100 parts by weight of talc.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable polypropylene/mica food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable polypropylene/mica food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A method of microwave cooking, heating and re-heating includes the steps of placing food to be cooked, heated or re-heated into a microwave compatible container having an open mouth thereof and, thereafter, applying over said mouth of said microwave compatible container an FDA grade waxpaper having a basis weight in a range of about 18/28 to about 21/33. Thereafter, the container is placed in a microwave oven for less than a prescribed period of heating for such food type and quantity. Alternatively, such FDA grade waxpaper may be tightly wrapped about food to be heated and thereafter placed within a microwave oven, thereby dispensing with the use of any microwave compatible container.

Abstract: The microwavable shipping and/or retail package described here for heating food includes a material suitable for use in a microwave oven. The food disposed in the package is preferably at least partially raw. Taking into account the water content of the food, enough liquid is present in the package for the food to be cooked in a steam atmosphere which develops in the package when heated in a microwave oven. The package has a one-way valve in a wall, which opens automatically to the outside when there is an internal excess pressure, then closes again automatically after the pressure drops, thus limiting and/or reducing the vapor pressure that develops in the package during heating in a microwave oven. The valve membrane may automatically open and automatically close until the membrane deforms during heating, thereby causing said valve to remain open.